Vitamin C The Unsung Hero |
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Vitamin C the Unsung Hero In the discussion of Vitamins, C is my particular favourite. Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is part of the Water Soluble vitamins and can be found in many food sources. Ascorbate (an Ion of Ascorbic Acid) is essential for a Number of metabolic functions within the body. A well Known deficiency of this Vitamin is the well known disease Scurvy. Scurvy has mostly been eliminated in this country although we still see it in the poverty stricken countries where nutrition is a constant battle, and also in some animals with improper nutrition or husbandry habits. Vitamin C gains its notoriety from its anti-oxidative effects within the body. An Anti-oxidant is a substance which, in essence combats free radicals that are in excess within the body and returning the body to a natural state of homeostasis. When the body has an abundance of what is known as these free radicals it is said to be in a state of Oxidative stress. The production of these free radicals would require a lesson in Chemistry, but simply put free radicals or reactive Oxygen species are formed due to normal human metabolism as well as other things such as smoking, pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides. Under normal circumstances the body can handle the Oxidative stress that occurs with normal metabolism, however if the body is lacking in anti-oxidants or the free radicals are in excess, damage can occur. There are also certain disease associate with Oxidative stress, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes are a few of those indicated. Vitamin C is also well known for its positive effects on Immunity and prevention and treatment of colds and flu. This Vitamin reaches all areas within the body on a cellular level, and serves as a primary ingredient of collagen our connective tissue. It has also been known as a combatant if neoplastic cells and cancer treatments, particularity those cancers causing large amounts of Oxidative stress. Individuals that smoke are elderly, alcohol consumers and diabetics tend to require more Vitamin C than the Average Healthy adult. It is also important to note that because Vitamin C is absorbed via an Active transport system, and excreted through the kidneys it can reach a saturation point and its best to take several doses throughout the day and not one big dose all at once. Vitamin C has Cardiovascular Benefits as well; studies have shown it has preventative effects against arthrosclerosis. Vitamin C may prevent this plaque formation by inhibiting the oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) Vitamin C has also been noted to prevent platelet aggregation, lower Cholesterol, and protect the area of the heart from Ischemic heart disease. The recommended dose varies with the individual and reason for use. The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C, 75 milligrams for males, 90 milligrams for females, and an additional 35 mg for smokers, is based on the amount of vitamin C needed to prevent a person from getting scurvy and provide body stores for about 30 days, with a margin of safety. This is of course Much Lower than what an average Vitamin C tablet contains, which generally run around 500-1000mg. This recommendation is flawed and in my opinion only targeted for the individual in perfect health with perfect eating habits. New studies suggest taking 2500mg of Vitamin C daily over 5 doses throughout the day can reduce cardiovascular risk by 55%. There was also some concern over taking mega doses of Vitamin C and its risk of Kidney stones and Iron deficiency. These have all been unfounded. The only reported side effect has been gastrointestinal such as diarrhea, which can be combated should you choose a C product that stomach friendly such as Ester C. The benefits of this tremendous powerhouse Vitamin are phenomenal; a true must for all undergoing oxidative stress, or those wanting to protect their bodies from free radicals. |
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